Nanny cam
Encyclopedia
A Nanny Cam, or Nanny Camera, sensationalized to the phrase "spy camera" is a hidden video camera
that has been secretly installed within a common household object. A nanny cam is usually used to secretly monitor and record the activities of home caregivers, hence the name "Nanny Cam" although it has its usefulness to overtly or covertly record any activity.
The receiver can be connected to a VCR or DVR
recording device or can be a portable receiver-screen which can be carried room to room by parents to keep an eye on their children. The camera can be hooked up to an Internet broadband connection for remote viewing while at work or vacation, in which case it is also a webcam
.
It can be connected to a VCR or DVR, either with:
Some nanny cameras are self-recording camcorder
s that record the video internally to a hard drive or memory card
, which eliminates the need for a wireless receiver or wired connection to a VCR or DVR.
There have been many news stories centered around a hidden camera
that has recorded a nanny
in the act of abusing a child. Nanny Cameras can also be used to prove the guilt or innocence of a suspected abuser.
A nanny cam can be purchased in many forms. The camera can be hidden inside a child's teddy bear
, a wall clock
, a clock radio, or even a plant
or tissue
box.
For convenience, most nanny cams use built-in transmitters to transmit their video to a recording device located in another room or floor.
US Code Title 18, Chapter 119, Section 2512 prohibits the interception of oral communication by "surreptitious manner," such as a hidden camera, and so most nanny cams are not available with audio recording. Though some on the market may be available with the ability to record audio, these cameras should not be used due to the illegality of the recordings they produce.A Nanny Cam is legal in all 50 states,but it is illegal in 13 states to record audio without express, or written consent of the nanny being recorded. This falls under the federal governments ‘wire tapping’ laws.
Hidden camera
A hidden camera is a still or video camera used to film people without their knowledge. The camera is "hidden" because it is either not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object...
that has been secretly installed within a common household object. A nanny cam is usually used to secretly monitor and record the activities of home caregivers, hence the name "Nanny Cam" although it has its usefulness to overtly or covertly record any activity.
The receiver can be connected to a VCR or DVR
Digital video recorder
A digital video recorder , sometimes referred to by the merchandising term personal video recorder , is a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device...
recording device or can be a portable receiver-screen which can be carried room to room by parents to keep an eye on their children. The camera can be hooked up to an Internet broadband connection for remote viewing while at work or vacation, in which case it is also a webcam
Webcam
A webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.Their most popular use is the establishment of video links, permitting computers to act as videophones or videoconference stations. This common use as a video camera...
.
It can be connected to a VCR or DVR, either with:
- a cable (i.e. X10X10 (industry standard)X10 is an international and open industry standard for communication among electronic devices used for home automation, also known as domotics. It primarily uses power line wiring for signaling and control, where the signals involve brief radio frequency bursts representing digital information...
) - or by a wirelessWirelessWireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications...
transmitterTransmitterIn electronics and telecommunications a transmitter or radio transmitter is an electronic device which, with the aid of an antenna, produces radio waves. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating current, which is applied to the antenna. When excited by this alternating...
, located in the nanny cam, and a wireless receiver.
Some nanny cameras are self-recording camcorder
Camcorder
A camcorder is an electronic device that combines a video camera and a video recorder into one unit. Equipment manufacturers do not seem to have strict guidelines for the term usage...
s that record the video internally to a hard drive or memory card
Memory card
A memory card or flash card is an electronic flash memory data storage device used for storing digital information. They are commonly used in many electronic devices, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, MP3 players, and video game consoles...
, which eliminates the need for a wireless receiver or wired connection to a VCR or DVR.
There have been many news stories centered around a hidden camera
Hidden camera
A hidden camera is a still or video camera used to film people without their knowledge. The camera is "hidden" because it is either not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object...
that has recorded a nanny
Nanny
A nanny, childminder or child care provider, is an individual who provides care for one or more children in a family as a service...
in the act of abusing a child. Nanny Cameras can also be used to prove the guilt or innocence of a suspected abuser.
A nanny cam can be purchased in many forms. The camera can be hidden inside a child's teddy bear
Teddy bear
The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries, often serving the purpose of entertaining children. In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector's items...
, a wall clock
Clock
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
, a clock radio, or even a plant
Plant
Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...
or tissue
Facial tissue
Facial tissue and paper handkerchief refers to a class of soft, absorbent, disposable papers that is suitable for use on the face. They are disposable alternatives for cloth handkerchiefs...
box.
For convenience, most nanny cams use built-in transmitters to transmit their video to a recording device located in another room or floor.
US Code Title 18, Chapter 119, Section 2512 prohibits the interception of oral communication by "surreptitious manner," such as a hidden camera, and so most nanny cams are not available with audio recording. Though some on the market may be available with the ability to record audio, these cameras should not be used due to the illegality of the recordings they produce.A Nanny Cam is legal in all 50 states,but it is illegal in 13 states to record audio without express, or written consent of the nanny being recorded. This falls under the federal governments ‘wire tapping’ laws.
External links
- "The Nanny's Nanny" : Nanny cameras in the home